Jaques of London Award-Winning Toys 2023-2026

An award from a toy retailer is a practical signal. It tells you that people who sell toys for a living looked at a particular design, in a crowded field, and marked it above the rest.

Between 2023 and 2026, a run of Jaques toys earned that kind of recognition. Most are wooden, made from FSC-certified timber and tested to UKCA and CE safety standards before they reach a child's hands. You can see the wider range across our wooden toys.

What follows is the full record, year by year, named honestly and placed exactly as the organisers published it. No upgrades, no rounding up.

Which Jaques of London toys have won awards

Several toys across the Jaques range have been recognised by independent awards over the past four years, and they span a wide spread of play.

There are role-play vehicles like the Wooden London Bus, the Wooden Aeroplane and the Wooden Campervan. There are first games and skill toys, including Hook a Duck, the Magnetic Fishing Game and Wooden Animal Skittles. There are early-years classics such as the Shape Sorter, the Shape Sorting Clock, the Wooden Tractor and Dylan the Dinosaur Pull Along Toy.

More recent additions carry awards too: Children's Animal Croquet, the Dress Up Bears Wooden Puzzle Game and The Friendly Farm. You will find many of these among our children toys and our educational toys for toddlers.

Jaques itself was also recognised, winning Gold for Best Parenting Brand of the Year 2023 at the Loved By Parents Awards. For a company founded in London in 1795 and still run by the same family, that is a pleasing nod to continuity.

Across the award-winning toys covered here, Jaques of London holds 2,227 verified Reviews.io reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, as of 15 October 2026. Awards and reviews measure different things: one is a judging decision by retailers, the other the everyday verdict of families at home.

The sections below set out each win by year. We have grouped the games and puzzles alongside our board games, and kept the full chronology in our companion piece on jaques of london award winning toys 2023 2026.

The 2026 winners

The most recent year brought one Gold and two Silvers.

Children's Animal Croquet received Gold at the Independent Toy Awards 2026 in the Wooden category. It is a scaled-down garden game that carries the spirit of the classic lawn sport into reach of small players. Jaques wrote the laws of croquet in 1864, so a croquet set earning this kind of recognition sits comfortably with the company's history.

The Dress Up Bears Wooden Puzzle Game received Silver at the Junior Design Awards 2026 in the Best Game for 3-5 Years category. The judges praised its design and its non-toxic solid-wood build, and they liked the mix-and-match combinations as open-ended creative play. They also noted that the wooden box encourages children to tidy up after themselves.

The Friendly Farm received Silver at the Junior Design Awards 2026 in the Best Toy Design 0-2 Years category. Here the judges liked the wooden design and the safely painted finish, along with the storage barn and its carry handle, which lets a child take the set anywhere without losing pieces.

Two of these three are designed for the youngest hands, where a tidy, self-contained set earns its keep. The Independent Toy Awards are voted for by UK independent toy retailers rather than expert testers, which is worth holding in mind as you read the placings.

For more on the thinking behind these toys, our pieces on best sustainable wooden toys uk 2026 jaques of london and award winning wooden toys for toddlers uk go further.

The 2025 winners

2025 was the busiest year by far, led by the BlogOn Toy Awards in the winter.

The Wooden London Bus took 1st place in seven categories: Influencers Choice, Interactive Toys, Role Play and Play Pretend, Sustainable, Toddler Toys, Vehicles and Wooden Toys. Few toys sweep a show so comprehensively.

Hook a Duck took 1st in Family Games, Preschool and Primary School, with 2nd places in Influencers Choice, Active Toys, Educational/STEAM, Interactive Toys and Toddler Toys. The Magnetic Fishing Game followed closely, with 2nd in Family Games, Preschool and Primary School, and 3rd in Active Toys, Educational/STEAM, Influencers Choice, Interactive Toys and Toddler Toys.

The Wooden Aeroplane earned 2nd in Role Play and Play Pretend, Sustainable, Toddler Toys, Vehicles and Wooden Toys, with 3rd in Influencers Choice and Interactive Toys. The Wooden Campervan took 3rd in Role Play and Play Pretend and Vehicles.

Elsewhere at BlogOn, Wooden Animal Skittles placed 3rd in Family Games; Dylan the Dinosaur Pull Along Toy placed 3rd in Preschool, Sustainable and Wooden Toys; and the Shape Sorting Clock placed 2nd in the Special Needs category.

Separately, the Wooden Campervan received Gold at the Independent Toy Awards 2025, where the organiser does not state a category.

That is a wide spread of recognition across vehicles, games and first toys. Our write-up on award winning sustainable wooden toys uk looks more closely at the sustainable side.

The 2024 and 2023 winners

The earlier years were shaped by the Loved By Parents Awards.

In 2024, the Shape Sorter did particularly well. It received Platinum in both the Best Activity Toy 1-3 Years and the Best Wooden Toy 1-3 Years categories, and Gold in the Best Educational Toy category. A simple sorting toy, judged across three measures, is a good example of a classic design holding its ground.

In 2023, the Wooden Tractor received Platinum in the Best Eco Friendly Toy category and Silver in the Best New Product to Market 2023 category. Made from FSC-certified timber, it reflects the company's preference for materials that last and can be passed on.

That same year, Jaques of London received Gold for Best Parenting Brand of the Year 2023 at the Loved By Parents Awards. A brand award is a different thing from a single toy award, since it looks at the whole business rather than one item on a shelf.

Taken together, 2023 and 2024 set the pattern that the later years built on: early-years toys, sustainable materials and designs that families return to. Many of these sit within our educational toys for toddlers, and you can read about one of the newer wooden characters in our guide to the best wooden hedgehog toys uk 2026 jaques of london.

What an award does and does not tell you

It helps to be clear about what these awards mean.

The BlogOn and Independent Toy Awards results above are voted for by UK independent toy retailers, not by expert testers or scientific panels. These are people who sell toys daily and recognise what children ask for and what parents buy again. That is a useful judgement, but it is a judgement, not a laboratory assessment.

Safety is a separate matter entirely. Winning a category does not mean the judges tested a toy for safety. That work happens before an award is ever considered, through UKCA and CE testing against the relevant standards. Every Jaques toy must pass that stage regardless of any ribbon it later earns.

So read an award as a signal of design, play value and appeal, and read the safety marking as the guarantee that a toy is fit for a child's hands. The two sit side by side without overlapping.

Reviews add a third view. The 2,227 verified Reviews.io reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recorded on 15 October 2026, reflect how these toys behave once they are home, after the show is over and the box is open on the floor.

If you want to see the toys themselves rather than the placings, start with our wooden toys or browse our board games. The awards point the way; the play is what lasts.

Meet the award winners

Children's Animal Croquet
Read its award story

Dress Up Bears Wooden Puzzle Game
Read its award story

The Friendly Farm
Read its award story

Wooden London Bus
Read its award story

Hook a Duck
Read its award story

Magnetic Fishing Game
Read its award story

Wooden Aeroplane
Read its award story

Wooden Campervan
Read its award story

Wooden Animal Skittles

Dylan the Dinosaur Pull Along Toy

Shape Sorting Clock

Shape Sorter
Read its award story

Wooden Tractor
Read its award story

The full story behind each award

• Children's Animal Croquet Wins Gold at the Independent Toy Awards 2026
• Dress Up Bears Wins Silver for Best Game 3-5 Years at the Junior Design Awards 2026
• The Friendly Farm Wins Silver for Best Toy Design 0-2 Years at the Junior Design Awards 2026
• The Wooden London Bus: First Place in Seven Categories at the BlogOn Toy Awards 2025
• Hook a Duck: Three First Places at the BlogOn Toy Awards 2025
• The Shape Sorter: Two Platinums and a Gold at the Loved By Parents Awards 2024
• The Wooden Campervan: Gold at the Independent Toy Awards 2025
• The Magnetic Fishing Game: Placed in Eight Categories at the BlogOn Toy Awards 2025
• The Wooden Aeroplane: Seven Placings at the BlogOn Toy Awards 2025
• The Wooden Tractor: Platinum for Best Eco Friendly Toy at the Loved By Parents Awards 2023

What parents say about these toys

4.8 out of 5 from 2,227 verified Reviews.io reviews across the award-winning toys on this page (as of 15 October 2026). Real buyers, quoted word for word.

Dress Up Bears Wooden Puzzle Game (4.8 out of 5, 240 reviews)

“Delivery of this was extremely quick and the packaging and quality of the toy was excellent. My granddaughter Played with it several times in the day and thoroughly enjoyed it and learned new vocabulary throughout playing with it with me. It’s now the first toy she looks for when she comes to our house.”

★★★★★ Sue, verified buyer, 2024-12-06

The Friendly Farm (4.9 out of 5, 64 reviews)

“My boys have loved carrying around the farm opening it and getting out the animals and the farmers. I like that you can close it to store everything inside so it is easy to keep the pieces together and the pieces are all of good quality. This feels like a toy that will last well and we will continue to use for a long time.”

★★★★★ Katherine, verified buyer, 2025-09-12

Wooden London Bus (4.8 out of 5, 275 reviews)

“This is the 3rd London Bus I have ordered. Unfortunately the last one arrived damaged.I was at first very disappointed but contacted the company and they sent out a replacement immediately, exceptional customer service.The first one I bought was for my grandsons 2nd birthday and he is now 4 and it's still a very well played with and very loved toy.Would definitely recommend the toy and the company”

★★★★★ Lesley B., verified buyer, 2023-11-05

Hook a Duck (4.8 out of 5, 201 reviews)

“The duck game was my free gift and I'm delighted with it. I run the Christmas tombola stall for my local church and I'm always on the lookout for nice toys for the children's tombola. The duck game will have pride of place to attract children to play, they have better odds of winning than the adult tombola.”

★★★★★ Ms, verified buyer, 2026-08-09

Magnetic Fishing Game (4.8 out of 5, 487 reviews)

“Love this fishing game. It was a gift for a nephew aged 4 and was a great choice. The ‘fish bowl’ container works great to hold all the sea creatures for catching, it was soon discarded as the fishing game was extended to the floor and at one point pieces were ‘hidden’ amongst wooden building blocks. A great family game Quality product, colourful pieces Promising lots of fun Recommend”

★★★★★ Carol, verified buyer, 2024-10-17

Wooden Aeroplane (4.8 out of 5, 186 reviews)

“Ok so i've not opened this yet because its so beautifully packaged it would be a shame to disturb it before Christmas Day. If the gift inside is as good as the service and presentation from this company then it will be my go to place in the future and definitely be recommended - This is for my great nephew because his daddy is a pilot - Thanks!”

★★★★★ Jo, verified buyer, 2024-12-07

Frequently Asked Questions About Award Winning Wooden Toys

Is Jaques of London an award-winning toy company?

Yes. Jaques of London, founded in 1795 and still family-run, has won multiple independent toy awards between 2023 and 2026. Wins span the Independent Toy Awards, Junior Design Awards, BlogOn Toy Awards, and Loved By Parents Awards, covering categories including wooden toys, educational toys, eco-friendly toys, and role play. The company also received Gold at the Loved By Parents Awards 2023 in the Best Parenting Brand of the Year 2023 category. Across award-winning products, Jaques holds 2,227 verified Reviews.io reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5 (as of 15 October 2026).

Which Jaques toys have won awards?

Jaques of London award-winning toys from 2023 to 2026 include: Children's Animal Croquet (Independent Toy Awards 2026 Gold, Wooden category); Dress Up Bears Wooden Puzzle Game and The Friendly Farm (Junior Design Awards 2026 Silver); Wooden London Bus, Hook a Duck, Magnetic Fishing Game, Wooden Aeroplane, Wooden Campervan, Wooden Animal Skittles, Dylan the Dinosaur Pull Along Toy, and Shape Sorting Clock (BlogOn Toy Awards 2025); Wooden Campervan (Independent Toy Awards 2025 Gold); Shape Sorter (Loved By Parents Awards 2024); and Wooden Tractor (Loved By Parents Awards 2023).

Which Jaques toy won the Independent Toy Awards 2026?

Children's Animal Croquet received Gold at the Independent Toy Awards 2026 in the Wooden category. The Independent Toy Awards are voted for by UK independent toy retailers. Jaques of London has won at the Independent Toy Awards across multiple years — the Wooden Campervan also received Gold at the Independent Toy Awards 2025.

Which Jaques toys won Junior Design Awards in 2026?

Two Jaques of London toys received awards at the Junior Design Awards 2026. The Dress Up Bears Wooden Puzzle Game received Silver in the Best Game for 3-5 Years category; judges praised its non-toxic solid-wood build, mix-and-match combinations as open-ended creative play, and a wooden box that encourages tidying up. The Friendly Farm received Silver in the Best Toy Design 0-2 Years category; judges liked the wooden design, safely painted finish, storage barn, and carry handle that keeps pieces together on the go.

What awards did Jaques win in 2025?

At the BlogOn Toy Awards 2025, Jaques of London placed across numerous categories. The Wooden London Bus took 1st in Influencers Choice, Interactive Toys, Role Play and Play Pretend, Sustainable, Toddler Toys, Vehicles, and Wooden Toys. Hook a Duck took 1st in Family Games, Preschool, and Primary School. The Magnetic Fishing Game, Wooden Aeroplane, Wooden Campervan, Wooden Animal Skittles, Dylan the Dinosaur Pull Along Toy, and Shape Sorting Clock each placed in multiple categories. Separately, the Wooden Campervan received Gold at the Independent Toy Awards 2025.

What awards has the Jaques Shape Sorter won?

The Jaques Shape Sorter received three awards at the Loved By Parents Awards 2024: Platinum in the Best Activity Toy 1-3 Years category, Platinum in the Best Wooden Toy 1-3 Years category, and Gold in the Best Educational Toy category. The Shape Sorting Clock (a related product) also received 2nd place in the Special Needs category at the BlogOn Toy Awards 2025.

Who judges the Independent Toy Awards?

The Independent Toy Awards are voted for by UK independent toy retailers, not by expert panels or testers. This means the awards reflect the opinions of specialist retailers who stock and sell toys directly to the public. Jaques of London's Children's Animal Croquet received Gold in the Wooden category at the Independent Toy Awards 2026, and the Wooden Campervan received Gold at the Independent Toy Awards 2025, both decided through this retailer vote.

Are toy awards the same as safety testing?

No. Toy awards and safety testing are entirely separate processes. Awards such as the Independent Toy Awards are voted for by UK independent toy retailers and reflect commercial and play-value judgements. Safety testing involves independent laboratory assessment against regulatory standards and is carried out separately from any award programme. A toy winning an award does not mean it has been safety-tested as part of that award process, and safety certification does not depend on winning awards.

How old is Jaques of London?

Jaques of London was founded in London in 1795 and is still run by the same family today, making it one of the oldest toy and game companies in the world. The company wrote the laws of croquet in 1864. From 2023 to 2026, Jaques has continued to receive independent toy awards across categories including wooden toys, educational toys, eco-friendly toys, and role play, with 2,227 verified Reviews.io reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5 as of 15 October 2026.

What are the best award-winning wooden toys for toddlers?

Several Jaques of London wooden toys for toddlers have received independent awards. The Wooden London Bus took 1st in the Toddler Toys and Wooden Toys categories at the BlogOn Toy Awards 2025. The Wooden Aeroplane placed 2nd in Toddler Toys and Wooden Toys at the same awards. Dylan the Dinosaur Pull Along Toy placed 3rd in Wooden Toys at the BlogOn Toy Awards 2025. The Shape Sorter received Platinum in Best Wooden Toy 1-3 Years at the Loved By Parents Awards 2024. Children's Animal Croquet received Gold in the Wooden category at the Independent Toy Awards 2026.

Sources

Every award on this page links to the organiser's own results page. Checked 2026-10-14.

• BlogOn Winter Toy Award Winners 2025 (BlogOn Toy Awards)
• Independent Toy Awards 2025 winners revealed (Toys n Playthings)
• Independent Toy Awards 2026 Gold Medal Winners (Independent Toy Awards)
• Best Game for 3-5 Years, Junior Design Awards 2026 (Junior Design Awards)
• Best Toy Design 0-2 Years, Junior Design Awards 2026 (Junior Design Awards)
• Loved By Parents Awards 2023 Winners (Loved By Parents Awards)
• Loved By Parents Awards 2024 Winners (Loved By Parents Awards)
• About the Independent Toy Awards (Independent Toy Awards)
• Verified customer reviews: Reviews.io, Jaques of London store (live feed, 15 October 2026)